The donkey Perry, a tiny Californian donkey, born 30 years ago in 1994, was chosen by the writers of the cartoon “Shrek” to inspire the famous character of Jo, Shrek’s friend, an annoying little donkey and talkative but kind and sensitive.
Published on 07/01/2025 10:47
Reading time: 2min
The main mark that the little Californian donkey Perry will leave is a colorful character from the cartoon Shrekthe noisy and emotional counterpart of the misanthropic and quiet hero. Kind, but horribly talkative, the one who will become Shrek’s best friend is fond of waffles and clafoutis, always ready to help his friends and remarkably loyal, especially towards his wife, Dragonne and their six children, half-donkeys, half-dragons, the famous “dranons”.
This very short-legged character was drawn based on the morphology and character of the donkey Perry: he was tiny and had a fiery and funny behavior. This contribution did not bring him much since, despite the worldwide success of the film, he only received – for his entire career – a modest compensation of 75 euros. He was not even credited in the film’s credits, which had also given rise to a debate on the recognition of animals used by the film industry. However, since Monday January 6, 2025, the press around the world has been relaying the announcement of his death this week.
Perry suffered from laminitis, hoof disease, an inflammation of the skin in the heel area. According to the Palo Alto Wildlife Park, his hoof hurt so much that he was constantly propped up on three legs. Neither acupuncture nor laser light could relieve him. Officially, he died peacefully and his remains were left in the pasture for several hours, only for his companions April and Buddy to realize he was gone.
We will see if a tribute will finally be paid to him in the next Shrekwhich is expected to arrive in theaters in 2025.
